International Women’s Day is a chance for men to make changes

There’s currently a huge problem in Australia – and men are actually the key to fixing it for a surprising reason.

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The gender pay gap in Australia is still at 13.1 per cent, there’s a 28 per cent gender pay gap in superannuation balances, and according to Finder, the average man has double the amount of savings compared to the average woman.

Happy International Women’s Day!

If you are a man, there is something you can do about this.

Right now, a woman in your office has likely organised some catch-up with pink iced cupcakes to celebrate the women at your work. You know, the same woman who organises everything from condolences flowers to birthday cakes.

There’s also probably a man in your office who says, “When’s international men’s day?” The short answer: Every day is international men’s day.

We aren’t going to achieve equality by women gathering around offices and eating pretty-themed food.

Men need to do more for women. Picture: iStock via chameleonseye

We need action, and we need so much of that action to come from men.

So if you’re a man, here are all the things you can do to help women achieve equality.

Go halves in the cost of contraception

Women typically bear the burden of paying for contraception all on their own.

It costs money not to have children.

Why should the financial burden purely fall on the woman? Contribute, talk to your partner about it and open up the conversation.

Gift your partner your superannuation

Women retire with an average of 28 per cent less superannuation than men because they take time off work to have children.

Maternity leave often doesn’t include paying into women’s super, and men can help remedy this by gifting their partner half their superannuation for the duration of her time off work.

It’s also a tax break.

Men need to put their money where their mouths are. Picture: iStock via IpekMorel

Take on the mental load

Do you know what type of dog food your dog eats? Do you remember anyone’s birthday outside of your own? Do you take charge of gift giving?

If you aren’t answering yes to any of these questions, you are lacking in helping with the mental load. Honestly, just take a breath and consider why your life runs smoothly – and if the answer is because my female partner is organised, you aren’t doing your part.

Share wage information

No one likes talking about money. But, if you are a man and work alongside a woman who does the same job, it’s worth having the conversation. Women are famously underpaid, and sharing your wage can help her advocate for a pay rise.

Are you earning more than your female co-worker? Picture: iStock

Share costs while considering the pay gap

It’s pretty standard for couples to go halves now, but how does that work if a woman is getting paid less to begin with? Divide things based on the pay gap. For instance, if you earn 20 per cent more, you should pay 20 per cent more in rent. Women being treated as financial equals only works if they are making equal amounts of money. Clearly, it’s impacting women, hence why they have half the amount of financial savings.

Push for work flexibility

One of the reasons women struggle to get back into work after having children is because their male partner’s job is inflexible – therefore, they have to pick flexible work.

However, men should also be demanding flexibility from their workplaces and be using their privilege for good.

If you’re a male boss, loudly and proudly proclaim when you are leaving work early to pick up your kids. It makes it easier for your female co-workers to do the same.